Page 15 of A Joyful Ring
“Sleep well, Risa,” he mumbled in the way that let her know he was half asleep.
She smiled and slipped into her room, changed into a cotton nightdress, and knelt by her bed, where she said her prayers. She opened the door to her room in hopes of getting cool air inside it, blew out her candle, and stretched her tired muscles out on the bed.
The next morning, Risa awakened early but tried to convince herself to go back to sleep. Unable to contain her excitement over the holiday, she rose and peeked out of her room. Her father was still sleeping, so she returned to her room, unwilling to disturb him on a day when he could get much-needed rest.
Rather than rushing into the tasks awaiting her, Risa slipped on an old dress, left her feet bare, and picked up the Bible that had once been her mother’s. Tiptoeing to the back door, Risa opened it carefully and moved outside to watch the sun begin to illuminate the sky.
It was just light enough she could read, so she sat on the back step and worked her way through three Psalms before she heard the floor creak behind her.
“Morning, Girlie. You’re up early,” her father said through the screen.
“I hope I didn’t wake you, Papa.”
“You didn’t,” he said, his voice grumbly withsleep while his hair stood up on the left side of his head. He pushed open the door, walked down the steps, and strode over to their outhouse.
Risa waited to see if he were ready to be up for the day, or planned to return to bed.
When he returned to the house, he stopped long enough to kiss the top of her head. “Mind if I rest a little longer?”
“Not at all, Papa. Sleep all you like,” she said, wondering how she’d get all her food prepared in time for the picnic and service at the church, but she’d worry about that later.
Risa closed the Bible and her eyes, leaned back, and let the sun warm her face while joy filled her heart. Life might not be exactly as she wanted or pictured, but she had a hardworking father who loved her, she had a job she enjoyed, and Mrs. Baldwin had become a friend and confidante.
Lovely wasn’t exactly a beautiful place, but on mornings like this, when the world was quiet and the air was fresh, Risa could find beauty in the world around her.
She was glad the land they’d purchased was on the side of the road nearest the river. Although she couldn’t see the water from the steps, she could hear it and imagined how cool and refreshing it would feel.
Later, she’d take a quick dip in the river, once she’d finished preparing food for the day. For now, though, she tried to enjoy her unexpected moments of rest.
Used to being busy and active, Risa couldn’t sit still for long. She thought about what to serve theguest her father had invited for supper, and finally decided on fried chicken. Mrs. Baldwin had taught her how to make the best fried chicken, dipping the pieces in milk and flour before frying them in hot lard. Her father certainly wouldn’t complain if that were on the menu. Risa could mash potatoes and serve them with gravy. Perhaps she could find enough vegetables in the garden to prepare a salad.
Unable to remain restful a moment longer, she went out to the garden and opened the gate that kept out wandering wildlife. She walked among the rows of plants, pulling weeds that seemed to have sprouted overnight.
Risa hauled buckets of water and gave the thirsty plants a good drink, pleased to find enough lettuce and radishes she could serve with their dinner. Too bad her tomatoes weren’t yet ripe, but they would be soon, along with peas and carrots, and cucumbers.
In hopes her father would have a restful day, Risa saw to the rest of the chores. She made sure the horses had plenty of water in their small pasture by the barn, then milked the cow, fed the pigs and chickens, and gathered the eggs.
She’d just finished straining the milk when her father once again appeared at the screen door, looking slightly disoriented.
“What time is it, Risa?” he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he stepped outside.
“Not yet eight, Papa. You can rest more if you like.”
“No. I’ve slept half the day away as it is. Give me a minute to fully wake up, and I’ll see to thechores.”
“I already did them,” she said, removing the cloth from the bowl she’d strained the milk into and rinsing it at the pump behind the house.
“All the chores?” her father asked as he moved away from the house, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight.
“All of them,” Risa said, carrying the milk inside the house.
If she hurried, she could whip up custard pie to take to the picnic, as well as the cherry pie for their dessert this evening.
“Since you took care of my work this morning, how about I help with yours?” her father asked as he followed her back into the house.
“I won’t turn down the help, Papa, but only if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure,” he said, washing his hands and face at the kitchen sink, then taking on the task of pitting cherries for the pie.
